Gender Equality Policy

1.      Purpose

Hybrid Core is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals, regardless of gender, are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. This policy outlines our commitment to promoting gender equality in all aspects of our operations, including recruitment, career development, pay equity, decision-making, and work-life balance.

Our approach aligns with the European Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 and Horizon Europe’s requirements for institutional gender equality plans.

2.      Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Hybrid Core employees and management staff.
• All contractors, interns, and consultants engaged by Hybrid Core.
• All project partners in collaborative R&D, Horizon Europe, and other EU-funded activities.

3.      Principles and Objectives

Hybrid Core is committed to:

• Equal Opportunity: Ensuring that all employment and advancement decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, never on gender or gender identity.
• Pay Equity: Providing equal pay for work of equal value and conducting periodic pay-gap analyses to ensure fairness.
• Inclusive Recruitment: Guaranteeing gender-balanced shortlists and interview panels wherever possible.
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting flexible working arrangements, parental leave, and family-friendly policies for all genders.
• Representation in Leadership: Striving for balanced representation of women and men in leadership roles, project management, and decision-making bodies.
• Gender Mainstreaming in Research: Integrating gender analysis into research content, methodologies, and innovation processes, in line with Horizon Europe standards.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Ensuring a workplace free from gender-based discrimination, bullying, or sexual harassment.

4.      Responsibilities

Management Team:

• Lead by example and ensure gender equality principles are embedded in all managerial decisions.
• Monitor implementation and regularly review progress.

HR Department:

• Ensure fair recruitment, appraisal, and promotion practices.
• Collect and analyze gender-disaggregated data annually.
• Organize gender awareness and unconscious bias training.

Employees:

• Treat colleagues respectfully and support an inclusive culture.
• Report any incidents of discrimination or harassment through established channels.

5.      Reporting and Accountability

• Annual Review: Hybrid Core will conduct an annual gender equality review covering staff composition, pay balance, and promotion patterns.
• Grievance Procedure: Any employee who experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment can report it confidentially to HR. Reports will be investigated promptly, fairly, and without retaliation.
• Transparency: Findings and progress will be shared internally and in Horizon Europe reporting, when relevant.

6.      Monitoring Indicators

• Hybrid Core will monitor progress through:
• Gender balance in recruitment, management, and technical positions.
• Gender distribution in training and development programs.
• Pay gap data and corrective actions.
• Employee feedback on inclusion and work-life balance.

7.      Communication and Awareness

This policy will be:

• Shared with all employees and new hires.
• Published on Hybrid Core’s internal platform and website.
• Promoted through regular training, workshops, and awareness campaigns.

8.      Review

This policy will be reviewed every two years to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in line with EU best practices and Horizon Europe guidance.